Treebo Blog

20 Iconic Monuments to See

in India on Your Next Visit
middha 4 years ago

India’s most visited monuments are spread

across the country, built by emperors, the
government and, in some cases, religious
institutions. While some were destroyed and
rebuilt, there are others that have stood the
test of time and natural calamities to live on.
The ones mentioned below are the top 13 to
see in India for any tourists who is visiting
this beautiful land.

Famous Monuments in North

India
1. Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal

The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built this

mausoleum for his darling wife, Mumtaz
Mahal, who passed away while giving birth
to their 14th child. A testimony to love, this
monument looks stunning even from afar.

Entry to the tombs are restricted, but many

tourists walk around the garden and the
mausoleum to bask in the bedazzling
artwork and sheen of the marbles from
across the world and 28 types of semi-
precious stones.

Location: Agra

2. Red Fort

Red Fort

The Red Fort is the most popular and

important of the forts in India. It was
constructed under the leadership of Shah
Jahan and since then has been home to
various nobles and kings.

Once, the fort’s facade was graciously

decorated with diamonds, but over the years
the diamonds were stripped o! as kings lost
their wealth. Today, the Red Fort is an
important landmark and is used for the
Prime Minister’s address to the nation on
Independence Day.

Location: Delhi

3. Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar

This 240-foot monument is Delhi’s crown

jewel. Standing tall, the tower was built by
Qutb-ud-din Aibak and his heirs. The
magnificent tower has balconies jutting out
on all sides.

The structure is made using red sandstone,

marble and a unique Indo-Islamic
architectural style. It is located in the Qutub
complex and is surrounded by plenty of other
attractions that include the Quwwat-ul-
Islam mosque.

Location: Delhi

4. Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun’s Tomb was one of the earliest

constructions of the Mughal Empire. It was
commissioned by the then Mughal ruler King
Akbar.

A majestic piece of architecture, the

Humayun’s Tomb is sheer magnificent
beauty. The tomb is famous for its exquisite
red sandstone structure and impeccable
geometric shape.

Location: Delhi

5. Agra Fort

Agra Fort

The Agra Fort was originally built in 1080 AD.

However, its red sandstone façade came to
life in 1573 AD when Akbar re-built the fort.
Since then, the Agra Fort has gained
immense popularity and is one of the best
monuments to visit in India.

The structure of the Agra Fort is fabulous

with intricate artwork on its sandstone and
marble walls. Tours to the fort are available
in English and Hindi at a nominal fee.

Location: Agra

6. Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri has the tag of being the first

planned city of the Mughal Empire. The city
is home to some very beautiful mosques and
palaces. These are not just magnificent to
see, they are also marvellous pieces of
architecture.

Location: Fatehpur Sikri

7. Golden Temple

The Gorgeous Golden Temple

The Golden Temple is the main holy place for

the Sikhs in India who call the temple the
Harmandir Sahib. The temple is built around
the Amritsar Sarovar, the holy river for the
Sikhs.

The Golden Temple is a blend of Islamic and

Hindu architecture and this is what makes
the structure marvellous. The lower level of
the temple has gorgeous marble floors and
walls with animal and flower prints on them.

Location: Punjab

8. Mamleshwar Temple

Mamleshwar Temple

The historic Mamal Temple was built in the

12th century. It is located in the picturesque
hills of Pahalgam. The temple is believed to
have been guarded by Lord Ganesha who
would not allow any trespassers to enter the
sanctum of the temple.

The temple is made entirely of stone is a

must-visit to get yourself acquainted with
the culture of the Pahalgam region.

Location: Pahalgam

9. Jama Masjid

The Jama Masjid

Located in the heart of Old Delhi, the Jama

Masjid is one of the few places that is a haven
of serenity and calm. Dressed in white and
pink the mosque stands stall. The highlight
of this mosque is the tall minarets from
where you can gaze at the beautiful city of
Delhi.

Location: Old Delhi

Famous Monuments in India:

East & Central Region
10. Konark Sun Temple

Konark Sun Temple

The Konark Sun Temple was built in the 13th

century and is also called the Black Pagoda.
Besides being a spiritual abode, the temple is
famous for its architecture.

Its most notable feature is the chariot-like

exterior that is remarkable and unique. You
might also want to gaze at the gorgeous
drawings and paintings.

Location: Odisha

11. Khajuraho Group of Monuments

The Khajuraho Group of Monuments

The Khajuraho Temples are wonderful and

beautifully constructed with red sandstone
and without any mortar. The temples were
the gem of the Chandela Rajput dynasty.

The architecture and structure of each

temple was inspired by the Tantric school of
thought. On certain parts of the temple you
can find erotic depictions and other sides you
can see images depicting spirituality and
secularism.

Location: Madhya Pradesh

12. Sanchi Stupa

Sanchi Stupa

This ancient complex was built in the 3rd

century BC by the great Mauryan King
Ashoka. The complex is known for having the
oldest stone structures in India.

At the complex you will find many stupas of

Buddha made from stone. The Great Stupa of
Sanchi is a site that you have to visit at the
Sanchi Stupa.

Location: Madhya Pradesh

Famous Monuments in India:

Western Region
13. Amber Fort

Amber Fort

Dressed in a bright mustard colour, the

Amber stands tall in the town of Amber, a
little away from Jaipur. The fort is divided
into four sections and each has its own
courtyard, that today serve as resting places
for tourists who visit the fort.

You can get to the fort by elephant or by jeep

for a nominal fee. There are many blind
alleys at the fort, the best way to see them is
to book a guided tour for around Rs. 200.

Location: Amber

14. Gateway of India

The Gateway of India

Located at the tip of Apollo Bunder in

southern Mumbai, the Gateway of India was
built by the British Empire that once ruled
India. The arched gateway was built to
welcome King George V to India.

The structure uses a combination of Indian

and Islamic architecture that is awesome to
see. The Gateway of India o!ers excellent
views of the neighbouring Taj Mahal and the
Arabian Sea. It is also a great spot for people
watching.

Location: Mumbai

Famous Monuments in India:

South
15. Jantar Mantar

Jantar Mantar

The Jantar Mantar was constructed by the

Jaipur king, Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II.
The complex has a large collection of
instruments among which is the largest
sundial.

Visit the place and browse through astrology

measuring equipment. It is located close to
the City Palace and is conveniently located
from Jaipur’s city centre.

Location: Jaipur

16. Basilica of Bom Jesus

The Basilica of Bom Jesus

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is the most famous

of Roman Catholic structures in India. It is
well known for housing the mortal remains
of Goa’s patron the saint St. Francis Xavier.

The church is built in the beautiful baroque

style and is the only church in Goa not to
have a plastered exterior. Inside the church,
browse the beautiful art on the wall and
spend a few moments in the serene
ambience.

Location: Goa

17. Monuments of Hampi

The Hazararama temple, Hampi

Hampi was one a wealthy kingdom, but what

remains today is a magnificent site of
beautiful ruins. Captivating and stunning,
the ruins will thrill any traveller who visits
this lofty site.

From temples to rocks inscribed with text

and drawings, you can see it all in Hampi.
The best about a trip here is that you can
finish visiting all the sites in one day.

Location: Hampi

18. Bibi Ka Maqbara

Bibi Ka Maqbara

The Bibi Ka Maqbara has a striking

resemblance the Taj Mahal but it isn’t as
grand as the Taj. It was built by Aurangzeb’s
son Azam Khan as a mausoleum for Rabia-
ud-Daurani, his mother. The main
mausoleum is flanked on all sides by
minarets.

The plinth and the dome of the Bibi Ka

Maqbara is made entirely of marble, lend the
tombstone a respectable look. The Bibi Ka
Maqbara is surrounded by a beautiful garden
that has the gorgeous Deccan Hills in the
background.

Location: Aurangabad

19. Charminar

The Charminar

Built by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the

Charminar is the landmark monument in
Hyderabad. A symbol of brilliance, the
Charminar is decorated with minarets and
four cardinal points.

Visit the monument and book a guided tour

to know all about the history. Later, go on
shopping trip in the alley nearby where you
will find the Charminar Bazaar.